Alright, I'm getting way behind here. I better start with this fresh post and work my way back, or around and about, as I have time to do justice to a reply.
This reminds me of those people who have cameras which are supposed to capture ghostly apparitions which of course means you have clearly ascended to yet another level of TG nirvana. This is where the camera is able to capture something as subtle as grace, as captivating as inner beauty. Anyone can put on the trappings of femininity in hopes of achieving a beautiful result but to truly radiate...yes, that's something that does shine through in your pictures, not to mention in your words as you describe these interactions.
(the thought which comes to mind comes through in the voice of our friend Veronica M...)
Don't even think otherwise, of course we all knew you'd see them again!!!
And it's really a lesson for all of us. You present as yourself. You are open within the parameters that you feel comfortable with (and even beyond those lines at times). And you are honest. Disclosure to a number of people has never once caused the world to explode.
That said, I was reading on in hopes of seeing that you and your reacquainted friend would be hitting the town, or at least the mall, at some point before your trip is done.